Farmers market workshop set in Hillsboro
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-day workshop for those thinking about selling produce and other goods at farmers markets. The Feb. 3 workshop covers food safety, sampling, funding, customer service and opportunities for discussion with other vendors, said MU Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly. Participants also may bring scales to be certified.
Land lease programs begin Jan. 31 across the state
University of Missouri Extension offers a Jan. 31 evening session on farm leases throughout the state.“Farm leases are a hot topic right now with cash rents at their current level andcrop prices dropping,” says Joe Koenen, agricultural business specialist with MU Extension. “Property owners and tenants need to make certain they are getting what they believe they should be.” Koenen is a longtime presenter on fair farm leases.Topics…
Apps to keep your fitness resolutions on track
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you’re losing your way instead of your weight, University of Missouri Extension specialists have evaluated and recommended several smartphone and tablet apps that might help you get your New Year’s resolution back on track.“Monitoring or tracking what you eat each day, as well as tracking your physical activity, can help you incorporate healthy food choices and regular activity into your lifestyle,” said MU Extension…
MU drainage system increases yields, reduces nutrient runoff
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri agronomists found corn and soybean yields increase by 20 percent or more when they use drainage control systems, said Kelly Nelson, MU Extension agronomist at the Greenley Research Center, Novelty. A combination of drainage and subirrigation boosts corn yields by 45 percent and soybean yields by 20 percent in claypan soils, Nelson said. The Greenley system allows excess water to drain and be…
Advice for choosing a tax preparer
If you pay someone to do your taxes, be careful. Most tax return preparers are professional and honest, but some are not.
Beware of tax scams
Don’t fall victim to tax scamsThese schemes take several shapes, ranging from promises of large tax refunds to illegal ways of “untaxing” yourself. The IRS suggests that you remember three important guidelines:
Paying to borrow your own money is a bad deal
The ball at Times Square had barely touched bottom before the ads for tax-refund loans began broadcasting across the country. But getting tax refund money just a few days earlier can cost you.
Grant writing workshop set in Hillsboro
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Specialty Crop Block Grant workshop 6-9 pm. Monday, Jan. 29, in Hillsboro.
Downtown Hannibal business cooks up success with MU Extension
HANNIBAL, Mo. – In her 20s, Linda Studer had a dream of opening a business in historic Hannibal.
EPA extends deadline for poultry and livestock facilities
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist Teng Lim advises poultry and livestock producers to be aware of an approaching deadline that could affect their operations.
Workshop helps new farmers, ranchers, military vets understand ABCs of USDA, other agencies
ELDON, Mo. – Openings remain for a free Jan. 24 workshop to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies.University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshop.
4-H after-school program nurtures 'seeds of possibility'
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – “Quiet on the set! Camera ready?”“Ready!”The scene: A corridor at Johnson Elementary in Kansas City’s Hickman Mills school district. A girl stands in front of the camera holding a clapper board, a device familiar to anyone who’s watched movies about Hollywood.“Scene one, take six,” she says.“Action!” calls the director.Three actors amble toward the camera. The characters talk about their weekend.“Cut.”
Slow cooker tips for tasty meals
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – As the weather gets colder, there’s nothing like coming home to a hot meal. A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, can be an economical, timesaving way to feed your family, says Susan Mills-Gray, University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.
Slow cooker heats up winter meals
CLINTON, Mo.– Baby, it’s cold outside. And there’s no better way to warm up after the workday than to come home to a hot meal.Your slow cooker can be an economical, timesaving way to feed your family, says Susan Mills-Gray, University of Missouri Extension nutritionist. Less expensive cuts of meat shrink less and become tender in slow cookers.She gives tips to make your slow cooker easier to use and clean.
Winter a good time to test for radon
MARSHFIELD, Mo.– While you wait for the spring thaw, consider testing your home for harmful radon gas, says Bob Schultheis, a University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineering specialist.
Compost bedded pack barns offer cow comfort and higher production
MACOMB, Mo. – Happy, healthy cows give more milk.Southwestern Missouri dairy farmers find that cows housed in compost bedded pack barns are healthy, happy and produce more milk, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Ted Probert.
Protect against colds and flu with vitamin E
BETHANY, Mo. – Cold and flu season is in full swing. One defense against them is to get plenty of vitamin E.Researchers at Tufts University’s USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging found that vitamin E improves the body’s response to the flu vaccine and reduces the risk of upper respiratory infections, says Janet Hackert, regional nutrition and health education specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
Edgewood Dairy and Creamery's success starts with MU grazing school
PURDY, Mo. – Twenty years ago, Charles Fletcher of Edgewood Dairy and Creamery attended a University of Missouri Extension grazing school. It would change the future of the family dairy operation.Fletcher’s father started the dairy farm in 1966. His father milked cows by hand 365 days a year, morning and night. In 1993, the Fletcher family formed a partnership that included poultry and dairy. Rising input costs and time forced them to…
Couple returns from Asia to raise children and food in the country
ROLLA, Mo. – Eric and Pathoumma Meusch had a hard time finding good-quality, locally grown foods when they moved from Asia to Eric’s hometown of Rolla.They grew their own food and soon received requests from friends and neighbors to buy food. They opened Meusch Farms in 2010. They shared their experiences at a recent “Grow Your Farm” workshop sponsored by University of Missouri Extension.
4-H families challenge themselves to MOVE Across Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Hundreds of Missouri 4-H members, parents, volunteers and friends have challenged themselves to get fit and move more for the past six months as part of the 4-H Move Across Missouri (MOVE) healthy living challenge. The effort, which is sponsored by Missouri Care, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans Inc., is designed to encourage 4-H clubs, families and friends to “move” by adding more exercise into their daily…
Fifth-generation rancher becomes MU Extension beef nutrition specialist
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Fifth-generation rancher Eric Bailey joins University of Missouri Extension as state beef nutrition specialist.He came to Mizzou for “its desire to innovate and be leaders in the next generation of beef producers.” He will work with specialists on beef cattle nutrition. He plans to meet beef farmers and leaders across the state.
Garden critters: 'Frenemies' in grow places
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Cute critters by day. Thieves by night.
Change helps Monett farm survive
MONETT, Mo. – Fourth-generation farmer Mike Meier knows change will help his family’s Century Farm survive.The rotational grazing and breeding system he uses for his dairy herd works. Now he wants to apply those principles to beef cattle. “At 56, I wanted to go in a different direction,” he says.He wants to see how much profit per acre he can make by switching from dairy to beef cattle. He is building his cattle herd as he prepares to…
Ag workers at high risk of heat illnesses
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Agriculture workers are 20 times more likely than other workers to die from heat.Heat deaths are 100 percent preventable with water, rest and shade, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
Soybean growers fund research, then share results at Show-Me Soy School
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers spending their own dollars for soybean research at the University of Missouri will hear results July 14.Researchers share results with all farmers, not just those in the Missouri Soybean Association. Suppliers, agribusiness reps, educators and agency officials are welcome.